cannabis

cannabis

[kan´ah-bis]

the dried flowering tops of hemp plants (Cannabis sativa), which have euphoric principles; see marijuana and hashish.

can·na·bis

(kan'ă-bis),

The dried flowering tops of the pistillate plants of Cannabis sativa (family Moraceae) containing isomeric tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinol, and cannabidiol. Preparations of cannabis can be smoked or ingested to induce psychotomimetic effects, such as euphoria, hallucinations, drowsiness, and other mental changes. Cannabis was formerly used as a sedative and analgesic; now available for restricted use in management of iatrogenic anorexia, especially that associated with oncologic chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Known by many colloquial or slang terms such as marihuana, marijuana, pot, grass, bhang, charas, ganja, weed, and herb.

[L., fr. G. kannabis, hemp]

cannabis

/can·na·bis/ (kan´ah-bis) the dried flowering tops of hemp plants (Cannabis sativa), which have euphoric principles (tetrahydrocannabinols); classified as a hallucinogen and prepared as bhang, ganja, hashish, and marihuana.

cannabis

2. Any of several mildly euphoriant, intoxicating hallucinogenic drugs, such as ganja, hashish, or marijuana, prepared from various parts of this plant.

can′na·bic(-bĭk) adj.

cannabis

[kan′əbis]

Etymology: Gk, kannabis, hemp

a psychoactive herb (marijuana) derived from the flowering tops of hemp plants. It has no currently acceptable clinical use in the United States (where it is marketed as marinol) but has been used in the treatment of glaucoma and as an antiemetic in some cancer patients to counter the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Cannabis is controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. All parts of the plant contain psychoactive substances. Cannabinoids, or psychoactive substances synthesized by the hemp plant, include cannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinolic acid, cannabigerol, cannabicyclol, and several isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is believed to cause the most characteristic psychological effects, which include alterations of mood, memory, motor coordination, cognitive ability, and self-perception. Low doses of cannabis seldom impair the ability to perform simple motor tasks but commonly hinder more complex actions, such as driving and flying, which involve complex sensory perception, concentration, and information processing. Cannabis may also enhance the nondominant senses of touch, taste, and smell. Higher doses in some persons can produce delusions, paranoid feelings, anxiety, and panic. This drug also increases the heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Cannabis is about three times more powerful when smoked than when taken orally. Research indicates that some cannabinoids may be therapeutic as anticonvulsants and helpful in reducing intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. Also called bhang, ganja, grass, hashish, marijuana, pot, reefer, tea, weed.

can·na·bis

(kan'ă-bis)

The dried flowering tops of the pistillate plants of Cannabis sativa (family Moraceae) containing isomeric tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinol, and cannabidiol. Preparations of cannabis are smoked or ingested to induce psychotomimetic effects such as euphoria, hallucinations, drowsiness, and other mental changes. Cannabis was formerly used as a sedative and analgesic; now available for restricted use in management of iatrogenic anorexia, especially that associated with oncologic chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Known by many colloquial or slang terms such as marijuana, marihuana, pot, grass, bhang, charas, ganja, and hashish.

[L., fr. G. kannabis, hemp]

cannabis

A drug derived from the hemp plant. Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers or stems of various species of the hemp grass Cannabis , especially Cannabis sativa , Cannabis indica and Cannabis americana . Cannabis resin contains the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol which produces euphoria (the easy promotion of silly laughter or giggling) and an apparent heightening of all the senses, especially vision, with distortion of dimensions. There is slowing of reflexes, distortion of distance and alteration in the sense of responsibility. Driving becomes dangerous. Much valued is an illusory sense of deep philosophical insight or a conviction of omniscience. Panic attacks or acute anxiety may occur, and SCHIZOPHRENIA, MANIA, DEPERSONALIZATION or confusional psychoses have been precipitated. Persistent heavy users may become apathetic and show loss of interest and concern (amotivational syndrome). Cannabis does, however, have some valuable medical uses. It is a sedative that can relieve some side effects of drugs and can help some patients to live more comfortably with some serious illnesses. The former rigidity of official attitude against its therapeutic use is softening, especially since cannabinoid receptors were found to be widely expressed throughout the central nervous system. A number of American States have approved its medical use. See also GLUTAMATE.

cannabis

an hallucinogenic drug found in the leaves of the hemp plant and particularly in the bracts of the female flowering spikes.

marijuana

(cannabis, grass, hashish) one of the so-called social or recreational drugs, obtained from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa whose active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol. The use of social drugs is increasing in society and sport is no exception. UK government statistics have suggested that 40% of 16-18 year olds had taken social drugs in the 12 months period studied. Statistics of their use in sport are difficult to obtain and confirm but are likely to be significant given that the majority of sportsmen and women are young. The effects of marijuana include relaxation, euphoria, sedation, disorientation and a lowering of aggression. It is generally accepted that regular use, and these effects, are not compatible with a training regime required for top-level sport. Current WADA and IOC regulations ban the use of marijuana in competition, but not out of competition. Many believe that in the absence of performance-enhancing effects, an automatic 2-year ban is not justified and that an approach based on education and rehabilitation is preferable, and will assist in maintaining the positive 'role model' example to young people.

can·na·bis

(kan'ă-bis)

The dried flowering tops of the pistillate plants of Cannabis sativa; in restricted use in management of iatrogenic anorexia, especially that associated with cancer therapy.

[L., fr. G. kannabis, hemp]

cannabis (kan´əbis),

n a psychoactive herb derived from the flowering tops of a variety of hemp, Cannabis sativa. It is the active ingredient of marijuana. It has been used in the treatment of glaucoma and as an antiemetic in some cancer patients to counter the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It is controlled under Schedule I of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.

cannabis

the dried flowering tops of cannabis sativa plants which have euphoric principles (tetrahydrocannabinols) and alkaloids (cannabinoids); grown commercially for the production of cannabis; classified as a hallucinogen and prepared as bhang, ganja, hashish and marihuana. It has excellent activity as a hypnotic and analgesic, especially in horses, but narcotic control regulations severely restrict use. Called also Indian hemp.

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